From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| National Show Horse |
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| Distinguishing features: |
high-set, swan-like neck without a pronounced crest; small, refined head, small ears; straight or concave profile; very deep, laid back shoulder; high tail carriage |
| Alternative names: |
NSH |
| Country of origin: |
United States |
| Breed standards |
| The National Show Horse Registry: |
Stds |
| The Arabian Horse Association: |
Stds |
The National Show Horse, (NSH), originated as a cross between an American Saddlebred and an Arabian horse. It is now established as a separate breed, since the founding of a breed registry in August 1981.[1] Registered animals today may be the offspring of registered NSH parents or may be a combination between an American Saddlebred, Arabian, and a National Show Horse. Non-NSH mares and stallions must be registered with their appropriate registries, and stallions who are Arabian or Saddlebred must additionally be nominated and approved by the NSHR board of directors. Although any combination of these three breeds may be used, there must be at least 25% Arabian blood in the horse to be registered, up to 99% Arabian blood.[1]
[edit] Breed characteristics
The horses combine the refinement of the Arabian with the animation of the Saddlebred. The resulting horse has the high-set, upright, long, swan-like neck of the Saddlebred. The neck should not have a pronounced crest. The head is usually refined and small, with small ears and either or straight or concave profile. The horses are close-coupled with a level topline and have a very deep, laid back shoulder. The tail carriage is high. [1] Typically, the NSH is 14.3-16.2 hands tall, with some individuals over or under.
The NSH may be a variety of colors, including the traditional bay, gray, chestnut and black of the Arabian, with Saddlebred ancestry adding a broader range of color than seen in the Arabian breed, including, most notably, pinto and palomino.
The breed is usually used for saddle seat riding. They are horses with high-stepping action and can be trained to move with a very elevated front end. Some can be trained to be five-gaited, adding the slow gait and rack to the traditional gaits of the walk, trot and canter. A versatile breed, they can also be used for show jumping, endurance, dressage, or western riding.[1]
- ^ a b c d Dutson 96 Horse Breeds of North America p. 189-190
[edit] References
- Dutson, Judith Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America North Adams, Mass.: Storey Pub 2005 ISBN 1-58017-612-7
[edit] External links
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